Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

If the Deputy wants to act like a spoiled child, that is fine. I do not believe the eloquence of this House will add much to what will be discussed at the Council meeting, because it has not even started. I indicated that in normal circumstances we do not have statements after an informal Council meeting. We are now in a post-Lisbon situation and in that context I gave an undertaking that through the Whips the Government would, if it is feasible, have statements following the informal Council meeting. It is appropriate to allow the business of the House to be discussed by the Whips and it is they who will determine what time can be made available on the basis of the availability of people to speak.

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